Chapter Nine: An Old Friend, A New Path
The last three days had been very busy in the Heavenly Dragon Family territory. The Grand Elder's breakthrough had brought a lot of joy, as had the knowledge that they were on the verge of returning to the Aristocratic rank. It might seem that such an ascension of rank only has meaning to cultivators, but that is far from the truth. While it's true that only cultivators get to enjoy the status given their political prowess in the city, the Non-cultivators gain more opportunities with additional territory. The commoner district—as all the noble families call their non-cultivator populations—celebrated such an occurrence with the same vigor as those with power.
These were three joyous days in the territory.
Well, not for everyone.
A group of four people now met in the kitchens, just as they had for the past three days. In front of the three adults sat a kid. He had just tasted the latest dish from one of his students.
"I see you've gotten better, Long Fang," Long Tian said to the young woman. She was the granddaughter of Elder Long An, whom the man loved dearly.
"Your explanations are very good, Young Master!" Her clear gray eyes were showing her excitement. Her long black hair was tied in a bun, perfectly and very tightly, and her white robe was as clean as everything else in the kitchen.
Long Tian looked at the girl with a smile. She was a genius when the subject was food. Everything Long Tian taught, she was the first to grasp and execute. He was sure she would be the best of the trio.
The other two were far from slackers. The old man, Long Bo, was a humorous soul outside the kitchen, but a tyrant within it. He was a perfectionist of this world's cuisine—if one could call the bland food that—and it had taken Long Tian time to open his mind to the new dishes and how to make them. But the man had been ecstatic when he tasted it for the first time, and Long Tian knew he was now trying to incorporate everything he was learning into the traditional food.
Long Fang was also doing that, but she explored more. She tried all the different things that came to her mind. It was like Long Tian's demonstration of seasoning had opened the box she was caged in, and he was sure that in her process, the girl would create a different cuisine mirroring his old world. He couldn't wait to see that.
Meanwhile, Long Hao presented a different kind of challenge. He lacked Long Fang's innate talent and Long Bo's deep-rooted mastery, yet his dedication was absolute, which made Long Tian very happy. He was a fanatic of Long Tian's style of food; he had abandoned everything he knew of this world and was taking all the new dishes as how food should be. Now his head was nodding to everything Long Tian said, and his light purple eyes shone as if a saint were delivering divine wisdom. His brown hair was short, but that wasn't the case three days ago; he had long hair, but it got short after Long Tian mentioned the importance of hygiene in the kitchen. Since then, it was possible to see him with a parchment, noting everything the boy did.
Today, they would do a more in-depth look at the ingredients. He held up a pinch of "Mountain Sand." "Well, students, do you know what this is?" he said, and the three looked confused.
Wasn't it the sand found in the caves people mined outside the city? they thought. But they didn't say anything. This wasn't the first time he took something simple and turned it into something special. Yesterday, it was the Cinder-Berries and the Sun-Scorched Chilies; they never thought those could be used that way.
Mostly, they were just used as food for cattle, which frustrated Long Tian immensely. Generations of survival have culled their creativity, he thought with a hint of melancholy. Still, their stagnation is our family's opportunity.
But in that regard, would his father be capable of taking advantage of their plan?
Long Qingxiao looked through the carriage window. The central city was identical to when he had gone to the institute. People walked freely and without preoccupation about what happened outside, or so it seemed. Even here, the atmosphere screamed "alert." It was like they were prepared for a horde attack at a moment's notice.
To his side sat the Grand Elder; she was the only one to go with him on this trip to the City Lord's Mansion.
"What did your son want with the Mountain Sand?" she asked, a bit curious. While she was interested in the boy's plans, she also kept a close eye on him.
"He claims it is the foundation of 'seasoning,' as he calls his new craft. Apparently, the genuine article exists in that private realm of his, but it cannot be brought out. You know how children get with their grand ideas and imaginary worlds," he said, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
"Yeah. That one has a very wild imagination. And the 'toys' for his mini farm, are they still in one piece?" she asked again. They had bought some Ridge-Back Aurochs and Stone-Horned Bulls to put in his space the other day.
"Oh, their numbers have already doubled. He has separated them and is starting another mini farm with half of them. He says they reproduce quickly." He gave a laugh and continued, "The same thing is happening with the others. Now he wants fish for his little lake. He says it's the water's fault that his animals are multiplying so quickly."
The Grand Elder shook her head. Where are they going to find fish? she thought. They barely survive in the rivers because of the demon beasts.
The carriage stopped, and with it, the conversation.
"We are here, Patriarch," the charioteer announced.
They traded looks and left the carriage one after another, with Long Qingxiao going first and helping the Grand Elder after.
"The mansion is as imposing as I remember," Long Qingxiao said. This was the place where they had finalized the deal with the Sacred Family; he didn't have good memories of the place. He then took a 100 Demon Spirit Coin note from an inside pocket and gave it to the charioteer. "For you to wait for us here." The man nodded with a smile.
"Let's go, Patriarch. We still have much to do," the Grand Elder said, heading for the entrance of the Mansion.
Long Qingxiao nodded and took the lead, walking toward the big metal gate in front of them.
"Inform the City Lord that the Patriarch of the Heavenly Dragon Family, Long Qingxiao, is here and desires to have a conversation with him," he informed one of the guards at the gate.
"What is the reason for this conversation you ask for?" asked the guard on the left. His appearance couldn't be seen because of the equipment he wore, but his voice could be heard clearly, indicating he was a middle-aged man.
"The Grand Elder of my family, who accompanies me, has broken through to the Gold rank. We need his approval to ascend to Aristocracy," Long Qingxiao said to the man, who nodded to his partner, who then entered the gates.
"Please wait a moment, Patriarch Long. He will announce your presence," the guard stated.
And Long Qingxiao only nodded.
It didn't take long for the man to return, but this time he wasn't alone. A man in his sixties accompanied him. It was Ye Xiu. He was well known as the right-hand man of Lord Ye Zong, due to his wisdom and loyalty.
Ye Xiu cupped his fists at the pair. "Congratulations, Elder Long Meifeng, Patriarch Long Qingxiao. A new Gold rank is a joyous occasion for the city, even more so when they come from such a prestigious family." He said with a sincere smile.
The pair cupped their fists in response, and Long Qingxiao said, "Thank you, Lord Ye Xiu. It is indeed a joyous occasion. Is the Lord of the City going to receive us?" Long Qingxiao asked the man he remembered seeing on the day of the deal. He had a pained face back then. The loss of that number of experts was indeed a tragedy for the city, and the one responsible for managing it would be the one who knew most what that loss truly meant to the city's defense.
"He will. He is waiting for you in the central hall," Ye Xiu said and added, "Follow me."
Long Qingxiao and the Grand Elder followed him inside. On the way, they passed a young girl with purple hair looking at them curiously, and at an even greater distance, a little boy with black hair doing the same. Who is the boy? Long Meifeng thought as they continued.
While they walked through the front garden, Ye Xiu asked, seemingly to make conversation, "I heard you are looking for Mountain Sand, Patriarch Long. Why is that? And have you gotten any?"
"It was my son who wanted it. He saw it in a book and wanted to use it for his 'little farm,'" Long Qingxiao answered casually and added, "And yes, we already got a good amount of it. A team had gone hunting, and we proposed for them to bring us a little. It wasn't cheap, but they brought it."
"Oh? And all that for your son? That seems a waste, but a son is a son. I understand," he said with a smile, and Long Qingxiao just shrugged and nodded.
"And how much time has passed since you broke through, Grand Elder? Three days?" Ye Xiu inquired.
"Actually, it has been close to a week. I was consolidating my rank before announcing it to our council," Long Meifeng answered in a bored tone.
Ye Xiu nodded, and they finally entered the Mansion and the central hall where Ye Zong was standing, waiting for them.
He was a little more than a foot shorter than Long Qingxiao but certainly more imposing physically. He was on the bulky, muscular side, while Long Qingxiao was more on the lean, muscular side.
Ye Zong had rich black hair. His sharp black eyes were stern, but a hint of grief could still be seen deep within them from his wife's passing—a detail only those who had also lost someone so close could truly see. He didn't let that show on his face, which seemed carved from seriousness itself; a mask forged by the twin pressures of leading a city under siege and raising a daughter alone.
Ye Xiu cupped his fists to the man and left, but not before saying, "It was good to see you again, and congratulations, Elder Long Meifeng."
Long Qingxiao nodded to the man who left and then cupped his fists to the man in front of him. "Good to see you in good health, Lord Ye Zong, and we are very sorry for your loss," he said sincerely.
The Grand Elder nodded in agreement with her grandson's words and cupped her hands.
Ye Zong returned the gesture and said, "Thank you. And so I am for your loss ten years ago. No person should have to go through what you went through that day, or in the years that followed." His voice was sincere. He now could understand the pain and why Long Qingxiao would ask for proof of everything. "But the past is the past, and we should move on, as you are doing. Congratulations, Elder Long Meifeng, on your breakthrough. My father will surely be happy to hear it when he comes back. Please follow me to my office so we can discuss your ascension."
"Thank you," said the Heavenly Dragon Family pair.
So, Lord Ye Mo is out again? they thought in unison and proceeded to follow Ye Zong.
They walked quietly to the office. On the desk, a map could be seen. The group took their positions with Ye Zong behind it.
"So, congratulations. You are a noble family again," Ye Zong said without much formality. "Now, how do you want to expand your territory?"
"That's it? No paperwork or anything?" asked Long Qingxiao, confused. He thought it would be a very formal affair.
"Not for you. Your family has already been an Aristocratic one, and a business isn't a requirement to take the rank. If you were ascending to the Noble families, that would be needed," Ye Zong explained, adding, "And if you were a new Aristocratic family, you would have to file papers regarding your origin, surname, and even how you wanted your family to be known."
"I understand now," Long Qingxiao nodded. "And what territories could we acquire?" he asked.
"In all honesty, you don't have the right to any. Your family was an Aristocratic one once, but your debacle ten years ago lost you too much territory, and the Lord's Mansion couldn't do anything to help," he casually explained.
"It's compensation, then," concluded the Grand Elder, and Ye Zong nodded.
"Okay, I will not look a gift horse in the mouth. So, what are the options?" Long Qingxiao said pragmatically. He couldn't deny his disappointment. Elder Long An wouldn't be happy; he was counting on the possible territory to break the commoner district apart. Too many people were living packed into that place now.
Ye Zong looked at the pair and said, "I can't give any portion of your old territory back. You lost it in an unfair deal, but a deal nonetheless. But we can offer these." He pointed to two places on the map.
They weren't the best for farming. Both pieces of terrain had too many stones and were very uneven, but one of them had a river passing through its middle. It would freeze in the winter but was a sure source of water for the people who would live there, and not having to share a water source with the Sacred Family was a much better option.
"This one," Long Qingxiao pointed to the one with the river. It was a small piece of land compared to what they had lost, but it was good enough for now.
"I will ask for Ye Xiu to draft the edict and bring it to your estate in the near future," Ye Zong informed and then asked, "Is that it?"
"Not really. The Heavenly Dragon Family would like to request permission for an expedition," Long Qingxiao said seriously, and Ye Zong furrowed his brow.
This wasn't a smart request, in his opinion. Families rarely requested expedition leaves because it meant taking a trip to a potential dungeon outside the city, normally days away, or to fight a powerful beast on some personal quest. But the trip itself wasn't the reason this was requested—or more accurately, informed to the City Lord. It was because it meant Gold rank experts would be leaving the city.
"Are you sure? You know I can veto it, right?" Ye Zong questioned coldly.
"Yes, City Lord. We are sure. We need to take this expedition. It is unfortunately a case of life or death. We need to find Draconic Demon Spirits; the family only has two now," the Grand Elder explained.
"Long Qingxiao, your family has barely entered the noble ranks again. Do you know what it means to lose your only Gold rank expert now? You don't have any others, do you?" asked Ye Zong.
"The Grand Elder won't be going. We are informing you of this expedition because we intend to go to the Black Gold Empire's capital. I will lead the expedition myself, and she will lead the family while I'm away," Long Qingxiao informed. He knew it could be denied, but he also knew the city needed these expeditions, and he was saying he would lead one to a faraway place. If they succeeded, it could bring a lot of things to the city.
"What is your cultivation now? For some reason, I can't feel it, and I doubt it is because you are above me," Ye Zong inquired.
"It's because of my Demon Spirit. Its camouflage ability is useful to hide my cultivation," he explained and answered the question, "I'm at the peak of the Silver rank. And I feel a breakthrough is close, but the bottleneck is there. I need to take this expedition for this reason."
Ye Zong looked at Long Qingxiao seriously for a moment and then proposed, "I will permit the expedition, but you will take some Gold ranks from my family with you, and also my brother, Ye Chen. Are we agreed here?"
Long Qingxiao knew he didn't have a choice. It wasn't a proposal; it was an ultimatum. "We agree."
He then extended his hand to Ye Zong, who took it, and they shook, formalizing the deal.
"Now boys, the deal is done, and you can stop this 'test of manhood'," Elder Long Meifeng said, breaking the formality of the reunion.
Both rolled their eyes, and Long Qingxiao proceeded to say, "We will be leaving in two weeks. Some preparations are needed."
Ye Zong nodded in confirmation. "I will send my brother and the others a day before, so you can know each other better. I will not accompany you out; there are a lot of things I need to do."
The Heavenly Dragon Family pair nodded their heads, and the Patriarch said, "Thank you. We are leaving then."
As they were walking out, the Grand Elder asked, "Who was the young boy following your daughter?"
Ye Zong looked at her. He knew why she asked, but it wasn't exactly a secret. "He is a boy I adopted from a family branch. Very talented," he answered coldly, as if saying, don't ask more. It wasn't a secret, but that didn't mean he had to act like it didn't matter.
"My apologies, City Lord. Just curiosity," she bowed respectfully and left behind Long Qingxiao.
The duo walked at an even and calm pace from Ye Zong's office till their carriage. When they entered, the charioteer started on the way back.
"Why did you ask about the kid? I didn't notice him or his daughter, for that matter," Long Qingxiao asked the moment the carriage started to move.
"I thought it was strange, the kid being there. It's well known that he only has a daughter," the Grand Elder answered and proceeded shortly after, "If he says the kid is talented, he probably is grooming him to take his place. People like him or his father don't make moves without meaning."
"Like the Demon Spirit Lord Ye Mo gave you," Long Qingxiao stated, not an accusation, just pondering.
"Yes. He gave it to me because he was paying a debt, or so he said. But I believe he wanted our family back to the Aristocrat rank. You know he appreciates our strength. It just took way too long for me to break through," she speculated. It was a known fact that the man admired her husband, Long Fengjian, but not enough to give a Dragon Demon Spirit so casually.
"You know that will be impossible to keep it a secret now, right?" she then said to a very annoyed Long Qingxiao.
"Yeah. I wasn't really prepared for his condition," Long Qingxiao said, unhappy. "Let's just hope it doesn't spread too far."
This expedition was shaping up to be more annoying than the family had thought it could be.
Let's hope I can keep my strength hidden, he hoped as he looked at the city through the window, as alert leaving as he'd been when he entered the gates of the central ring.